Oklahoma HJR1003 Vetoed

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has vetoed House Joint Resolution 1003.Â In a statement released today, Henry said that “there is no need to spend valuable legislative time on a resolution expressing support for any particular amendment or constitutional rightâ€

Here is the full veto message:

“Without question, the state of Oklahoma and its leaders support the U.S. Constitution and the rights it guarantees to the states and their citizens, and there is no need to spend valuable legislative time on a resolution expressing support for any particular amendment or constitutional right. Furthermore, HJR 1003 alleges, without offering any evidence or explanation, that past and current U.S. leaders may have violated the Constitution and committed crimes against the states and the country. HJR 1003 also implies that the state should reject federal tax dollars paid to Washington, DC, by Oklahoma citizens, an act that would prevent our tax dollars from being used in Oklahoma to address critical needs in transportation, education, health care, law enforcement, veterans programs and many other vital services beneficial to our state. In short, HJR 1003 could be detrimental to Oklahoma and does not serve the state or its citizens in any positive manner.”

Had the governor signed the resolution, it would have been distributed to the President, the U.S. Congress and other federal offices as an official statement from the state of Oklahoma.

A two-thirds majority in both the house and senate will be required to override Henry’s veto.